Summary Introduction to Criminology CMY1502 - Chapters 3.1 - 3.3

Various approaches to
crime prevention & control Unit 3.1 – p. 96



Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 2

Historical development ................................................................................................ 2

Factors crucial for successful crime prevention ................................................................... 4

Five factors = crucial – successful crime prevention: ....................................................... 4

Various crime prevention approaches ............................................................................... 4

Social crime prevention models ................................................................................... 4

Limiting opportunities for crime .................................................................................. 5

Examples of programmes: ....................................................................................... 5

Community-based crime prevention model...................................................................... 5

Examples community-based crime prevention models: ..................................................... 5

Biophysical prevention model ...................................................................................... 6

Psychological crime prevention model ........................................................................... 6

Range psychological treatments (psychotherapy/therapeutic treatment) use: ........................ 6

Multi-factor approach ............................................................................................... 6

Integrated crime prevention models ................................................................................ 7

Integrated crime prevention: Specific crimes ................................................................... 7

Multidimensional treatment programmes, depend on causes identified: ................................ 7

Integrated crime prevention: Crime prevention & control → CJS ........................................... 8

Successful crime prevention programmes .......................................................................... 8

Very successful  instances: ..................................................................................... 8

Crime prevention programmes  USA: ......................................................................... 8




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,Introduction
Crime prevention: Initiated primary responsibility – crime left with indiv. & family
✓ Initiatives developed – formulate new crime prevention models & ideas based on existing
theoretical overviews on crime & techniques focus reduction of crime. 
✓ Effective crime prevention & control = NB task of state & community  attempt – create safe
environm.
Đ Crime prevention
Measures taken → way of government policy & private initiative – prevent crime with
exception of CJS.
Đ Crime control
Measures taken → CJS against crime.
Đ Crime prevention models
Deliberate methods, plans, actions aimed preventing/controlling crime.
✓ Each model related programs & = based specific theories/factors played role  commission of
crime/victimization, program ≠ theoretical basis also implemented. Based empirical(practical)
grounds & no theoretical basis.
✓ Connect – positions  community/society: admin authorities
✓ Explanations = influenced → educational background, work experience, training(police); lead –
lack clarity on def.
✓ Lab  Any act designed – reduce actual levels crime/perceived threat/fear.

Lab :
Crime prevention Portrays attempt – eliminate crime before further act (proactive approach); crime
control points – preservation /conservation of current levels /behavior, more reactive → nature.

Crime prevention strategy developed  Czech Republic :
Offensive strategy – combat crime, encompass planning, preparation, implementation & analysis of
prevention act.

White Paper on Safety in SA :
All act reduce, deter/prevent occurrence 1st, → altering environm. Where occur
2nd, → change conditions = thought – cause them
3rd, → provide strong deterrent  form effective justice system.



Historical development
Past:
✓ Left – indiv. (victim & family)
✓ Lex talions = (eye for an eye) principle set & indiv. Actions → citizens – deter criminals & claim
retribution = acceptable response – victimization & injury.



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, ✓ Policing concentrated  cities & coordinated → military & dealt issues of central state & security.
✓ Focus on central state & security issues, general public left – help themselves.
✓ 1066 (England) prevention responsibility of male citizens, band together  groups for policing each
other.
“watch & ward” idea:
✓ Men watch over city at night, identifying threats, cause watcher – raise alarm & call help. Left –
public – apprehend & punish offender. Continued – 1800s.
✓ 1700s saw appointments of English Magistrates as so-called “thief takers”, sole responsibility -
protect public.
✓ Selected from reformed offenders, offered paid service -recover stolen property & permission
granted -pay themselves for recovered property.
✓ Led – development of Metropolitan Police  London  1829 with Sir Robert peel as driving force.
✓ Preventive actions performed → police, roles focused revenge & retribution – benefit of victim of
crime.
✓ Resulted  mistaken belief crime prevention rests organs of state (police, courts, correctional
act).
✓ Role of community always put aside & during 1960s became more involved & regarded as
cornerstone of prevention efforts.
✓ Advantages & disadvantages – change.
Advantage:
✓ More people, including potential victims, become involved  crime prevention.
Disadvantage:
✓ Costs involved providing special training – educate people  recognizing criminal act & necessary
steps against person perpetrate acts.
USA took lead:
✓ 1971 NCPI (National Crime Prevention institute) established under Law Enforcement Assistance
Admin (LEAA)  Department of Justice.
✓ Federal government took charge of NCPI  1986 for purpose involving communities more
effectively  crime prevention.
England:
✓ Local crime prevention panels  place since 1966 & Home Office Committee on Crime Prevention
established  1975.
✓ Significant changes after establishment of Home Office Prevention Centre & Research and Planning
Unit,  collaboration with community  1983.
✓ France, Sweden, Denmark formalized crime prevention as community act.
Canada:
✓ Effort put – crime prevention approach “proactive social development approach”.




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